The quote reflects a sense of arrival and departure, where the wave personifies an excitement or an anticipation that ultimately proves to be fleeting. The wave is described as "out of breath," suggesting a struggle or effort, but it fails to deliver any significant news or message. Instead, it fades away in a manner that evokes a sense of apology, as if lamenting its inability to fulfill expectations.

This imagery captures the essence of transient moments in life, illustrating how we often anticipate significant events or revelations, only to find that they dissipate without leaving a lasting impact. Nabokov’s choice of words conveys an elegant yet poignant understanding of the disappointments that can accompany our hopes and desires.